Expo 2020 Dubai appoints China’s Terminus as official robotics partner

Chinese tech company, Terminus Technologies, a specialist in AI and Internet of Things (IoT), has been named Expo 2020 Dubai’s official robotics partner.

Terminus will deploy more than 150 programmable robots to interact with visitors during the Expo event. The robots, encompassing features such as multi-touch displays, 5G network capability, AI-driven object mapping and object detection, will greet visitors, perform in special displays and provide visitor assistance, as well as help with food and beverage delivery and hospitality services.

These robots will include Opti, one of the Expo 2020 mascots.

Expo 2020 Dubai’s latest premier partner, Terminus has also signed a long-term lease at District 2020, as part of the innovation ecosystem that will develop after Expo 2020. District 2020 will repurpose more than 80 per cent of the site’s built environment.

The tech firm will set up its first headquarters outside of China as well as an R&D centre at District 2020.

Mohammed AlHashmi, chief technology officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Expo 2020 will be an unparalleled platform to showcase the capabilities of innovative technology and, as a pioneer in robotics and AI-enabled IoT applications, Terminus is a valuable new partner. Our collaboration will demonstrate the potential of robotics, while also establishing the foundation for District 2020 as a centre for technology innovation.”

“As a pioneer in advanced, future-defining technologies, Terminus will bring significant value to the diverse ecosystem we are curating at District 2020 and will contribute to our mission to support the UAE’s strategy to become a pioneer in AI. This is an important collaboration as we share the vision of creating a human-centric smart community that will inspire other global innovation hubs,” added Nadimeh Mehra, vice president, District 2020.

Victor Ai, founder and CEO, Terminus Technologies, said: “Expo 2020 Dubai will serve as an incredible hub of innovation for the world, and District 2020 will act as an example for global smart city development. Terminus is working with both to redefine the concept of future cities with our leading Robotics, AI and IoT technology.”

Expo 2020 Dubai has been postponed by a year due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and will now run from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.

Read: Expo 2020 Dubai to be held from October 1, 2021